The three-day event, held at NAEC Stoneleigh in Warwickshire from 22–24 May, used almost 20,000 litres of HVO to power generators, agricultural machinery and event operations, providing what organisers described as a practical demonstration of renewable fuel use at scale. According to figures released by Certas Energy, 19,775 litres of HVO were supplied during the event, helping to reduce emissions by approximately 51,056kg of CO2e compared with the equivalent use of standard diesel.
The UK’s largest independent fuel distributor supplied 14,991 litres of HVO to power on-site generators, with a further 4,784 litres used to support the delivery and operation of tractors and machinery throughout the festival.
The company also highlighted that the fuel was delivered using its own HVO-powered tanker fleet, helping to reduce emissions associated with logistics and distribution.
The update follows Certas Energy’s partnership with the inaugural Great British Farm Fest, which brought together more than 60,000 visitors for a celebration of British farming featuring appearances from Jeremy Clarkson, Lisa Hogan, Kaleb Cooper, Charlie Ireland and Adam Henson.
Demonstrating practical decarbonisation
For Certas Energy, the event provided an opportunity to showcase the role renewable fuels can play in helping agricultural businesses and event organisers reduce emissions without significant operational change.
As a drop-in alternative to conventional red and white diesel, HVO can typically be used in existing diesel engines and equipment without modification, making it an increasingly attractive option for operators seeking immediate carbon reductions while longer-term decarbonisation pathways continue to develop.
The company said the event demonstrated how lower-carbon fuels can be integrated into large-scale operations while maintaining normal performance and reliability.
In addition to greenhouse gas savings, HVO is also associated with reductions in local pollutants including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx) and carbon monoxide compared with conventional diesel.
‘One vehicle at a time’
Farming influencer and Certas Energy ambassador Olly Harrison, who led the event’s Tractor Parade and Tractorama Stunt Arena, said the festival provided a practical example of how businesses can begin reducing emissions without wholesale fleet replacement.
“It’s been brilliant to see The Great British Farm Fest come to life and bring the farming community together in such a big way,” said Harrison. “Seeing the event powered by HVO from Certas Energy really brings home just how practical and impactful switching from diesel can be.
“Many think that switching to HVO means you need to do it overnight, but it doesn’t have to be a case of all or nothing. Even transitioning one vehicle at a time can make a world of difference.”
At a glance
- 19,775 litres of HVO supplied
- 14,991 litres used for generators
- 4,784 litres used for tractors and machinery
- 60,000+ attendees
- 51,056kg CO2e reduction reported versus diesel
- Fuel delivered using HVO-powered tankers
- Event held at NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire (22–24 May 2026)
Supporting customers through transition
Leigh Claridge, Head of Sales at Certas Energy, said the event had generated strong interest from farming businesses looking to understand the options available as they navigate changing sustainability requirements.
“This weekend has been a wonderful experience,” said Claridge. “We welcomed a great mix of visitors to our stand, from children and young families to farmers and corporate organisations that are looking for solutions to their challenges.
“Our super knowledgeable, super engaged team were on hand throughout the three-day event to answer customers’ burning questions and help them to break down some of the challenges they are facing.”
Claridge added that HVO forms part of a broader package of transition solutions being offered by the company. “As an energy transition partner, we’re committed to guiding our customers at every stage of their transition journey, whether we’re supplying them with solar panels to ensure their farm runs as efficiently as possible, or supplying the HVO that powers a company’s fleet, even if they’re transitioning to HVO one vehicle at a time.”
The event comes amid growing interest in renewable liquid fuels across the agricultural sector, where many operators are seeking practical emissions reductions from existing machinery and vehicle fleets while preserving operational flexibility.
With nearly 20,000 litres of HVO consumed over a single weekend and more than 51 tonnes of CO2e reportedly avoided, Great British Farm Fest has provided a high-profile example of how renewable fuels are being deployed in real-world agricultural settings today.
Image from Certas